The Empire is composed of the human descendants of Sigmar who united the tribes of men at the Battle of Black Fire Pass. Sigmar was deified after th battle and his promise of eternal aid tot he kingdom of Dwarfs still stands today. This action solidified the relationship between men and Dwarfs and planted the seeds of the burgeoning Empire through trade. Today the Empire is led by Emperor Karl Franz, who rules from his seat in the city-state of Altdorf.